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Front to the Films: Frenchie: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II. A Conversation with Jason Theriot (Part 1)

From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

Release Date: 08/26/2024

Ski, Climb, Fight: A Conversation with 10th Mountain Division Author, Dr. Lance Blyth show art Ski, Climb, Fight: A Conversation with 10th Mountain Division Author, Dr. Lance Blyth

From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

They weren’t like other soldiers. While others were marching or jumping into battle, they skied to war. Carried rifles and ropes. Climbed cliffs in the dark. Slept in snow. And when the time came, they scaled mountains most thought were impossible to negotiate. In our latest Front to the Films episode, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.) sat down with Lance Blyth, a quiet-spoken historian who’s spent years tracing the footsteps of the 10th Mountain Division. What came from their conversation wasn’t just a military history—it was a reminder of what it means to endure, to adapt, and to...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

When a conversation with a business leader and pilot—who also happens to be the son of a World War II veteran—places you squarely in the cockpit of history, you're in for a very unique and fascinating journey. Our latest episode of Front to the Films, the official podcast of The World War II Foundation, offers exactly that. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), this conversation with Eric Zipkin—Co-Founder of the Tunison Foundation—is more than just an exploration of a historic aircraft. It’s about memory, purpose, and the enduring legacy of those who took to the skies in...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

Some interviews make you think. Some make you feel. And every now and then, one does both in a way that stays with you long after the conversation ends. My recent discussion with Dr. Richard "Dick" Jessor was one of those rare moments. At 100 years old, Dr. Jessor sat across from me—sharp, reflective, and filled with the kind of perspective that only comes from a century of living with purpose. He has witnessed war, shaped the field of behavioral science, and spent a lifetime exploring what it means to live meaningfully. And in our conversation, he shared those hard-earned lessons in a way...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

Join us for a powerful and moving episode of Front to the Films, as host Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.) sits down with historian, author, and Colonel Gregory Fontenot (USA, Ret.). This episode marks the conclusion of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most critical and epic battles of World War II, and we could not ask for a better historian and storyteller to commemorate this momentous occasion. Greg’s extensive research and firsthand military experience bring to life the incredible stories of leadership, resilience, and innovation displayed during this...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

  In our latest episode of Front to the Films, we had the honor of hosting John Slemp, a distinguished photographer, author, and veteran, whose work shines a light on the stories of World War II through an unexpected yet deeply meaningful lens. His book, Bomber Boys: WWII Flight Jacket Art, is a visual masterpiece that celebrates the airmen of World War II by showcasing the artistry and stories behind their iconic flight jackets. Through this engaging conversation with our host, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), John takes us behind the scenes of his groundbreaking project, sharing...

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Front to the Films:  An Exclusive Interview with Battle of the Bulge Veteran Harry Miller show art Front to the Films: An Exclusive Interview with Battle of the Bulge Veteran Harry Miller

From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, it's a privilege to share an impromptu interview with Harry Miller, a veteran who served as a tank crewman in the 740th Tank Battalion during this pivotal World War II conflict. Harry Miller's Background Born in Ohio during the Great Depression, Harry Miller enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps at 15 by claiming he was 18. He later joined the Army, receiving basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and advanced training at Fort Ord, California, with an amphibious tank unit. In November 1944, Miller arrived in Europe and was assigned...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

  This episode of Front to the Films features T. Martin Bennett, author of , hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA Ret.). The discussion explores the extraordinary story of Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his profound transformation after the war. T. Martin Bennett, Author of Bennett brings Fuchida’s journey to life, recounting how the former military leader transitions from a celebrated warrior to an advocate for peace. Central to this transformation are his unexpected connections to Jacob DeShazer, an American POW who endures unimaginable...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

The Front to the Films podcast is thrilled to announce our latest episode featuring a conversation with Georges Strachan-Heyes, retired British Army officer and Director of Operations for the UK and NATO at Onebrief. In this episode, hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), Georges brings his exceptional insights in discussing The World War II Foundation's newest documentary, Dad’s Secret War: France 1944. This gripping documentary, based on Scholars of Mayhem by Daniel C. Guiet and Timothy K. Smith, chronicles the daring World War II missions of Jean Claude Guiet, who served with...

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From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden: A Special Episode of Front to the Films In honor of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, we are thrilled to release a special episode of Front to the Films. This monumental military operation, which commenced on September 17, 1944, is remembered for its bold ambition, immense sacrifice, and pivotal role in World War II history. Our latest podcast delves deep into the operation's significance, the lasting lessons it offers, and its portrayal in the classic war film A Bridge Too Far. Hosted by Colonel Tom Rendall (USA...

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Front to the Films:  Part 2 of Front to the Films: Part 2 of "The Cajun Connection: Frenchies in WWII": A Conversation with Dr. Jason Theriot

From The Front To The Films: A World War II Podcast

We're excited to bring you Part 2 of our enlightening interview with Dr. Jason P. Theriot, historian and author of the groundbreaking book, Frenchie: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II. Join us as host Colonel Tom Rendall continues this captivating discussion on our latest "Front to the Films" podcast episode. In this concluding segment, Dr. Theriot provides a deeper view into the extraordinary contributions of Cajun troops during World War II. These soldiers, often overlooked in broader military histories, used their unique linguistic skills to serve as vital...

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More Episodes

 

 
In our latest episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Jason P. Theriot, an  historian and author of the new book Frenchie: The Story of the French-Speaking Cajuns of World War II. This episode offers a deep dive into the unique contributions of Cajun soldiers during the war and the profound impact they had on their cultural identity.

A Unique Linguistic Contribution

Jason shares insights with our host, Colonel Tom Rendall (USA, Ret.), of the role of Cajun soldiers during WWII, known affectionately as "Frenchies." These young men from Louisiana, who grew up speaking French due to their Acadian ancestry, became invaluable as interpreters across Europe and North Africa. Their ability to bridge language gaps improved the execution of military operations but also fostered stronger alliances during critical moments of the war.

Personal Stories of Impact

Bob LeBlanc

Jason shares a number of fascinating anecdotes from his extensive research. He recounts stories of individual soldiers who, despite facing discrimination back home for their linguistic heritage, found their skills to be of great importance on the battlefield. These narratives effectivelyconvey the significant shift in how these soldiers viewed their own cultural identity post-war.

Cultural Renaissance Post-War

Jason explores the broader impact of the war on Cajun identity back in the United States. The recognition these soldiers received abroad sparked a resurgence of pride and cultural renaissance among the Cajun communities, which had long faced pressure to assimilate and abandon their French linguistic heritage. This newfound pride laid the groundwork for the Cajun empowerment movements that would follow decades later.

The Importance of Preserving History

In this episode on his 25 years of interviewing WWII veterans, emphasizing the importance of preserving such firsthand accounts. He shares his motivation for pursuing these stories and the impact it has on our understanding of history. His advice to aspiring historians—to relentlessly pursue untold stories and to document them with integrity—is a powerful call to action for all of our listeners.

Jason Theriot has captured the stories of the Cajun soldiers of WWII.  His account provides us not only with a richer understanding of the past but also with a reminder of the complexities of cultural identity in times of conflict and war.